SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley says an investigation into an apparent murder-suicide involving a family of six is focusing in part on financial issues.

Authorities believe Scott Westerhuis shot his wife and four children last week, then set the family home ablaze before shooting himself.

Westerhuis was the business manager for an education co-operative that had recently learned the state wouldn't renew a $4.3 million contract. Jackley said Wednesday that Westerhuis was notified last week about the contract loss.

Jackley says investigators will look into the circumstances surrounding the contract. A co-op executive has said the contract loss wouldn't have endangered Westerhuis' job.

Jackley says a police dog found a potential accelerant in the ruins of the home. Authorities are awaiting tests results to confirm that.

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